Peppy San Badger
- Written by: Sharalee Worms
So at BRIDGEquine .com we have been working hard on the IMM results - People have speculated that Peppy San Badger was positive - I don't like working on speculation and at BRIDGE the goals are to collect enough data to be able to be reasonably sure where testing is not available. After entering a lot of Peppy San Badger's offspring it would seem very likely he was n/MYHM (Of course one cannot say with 100% certainly unless he was tested).
Look out for BUGS and Glitches!
- Written by: Sharalee Worms
This is a NEW SITE that has been running for a couple of months! It looks exaclty like the one (except it has a 2023 in the address bar so you know you are on the new site.) but it has brand new software!
If you have an older account and you have trouble logging in please contact me so I can get you going.
The reports seem to be working now but if you have any trouble please contact me at the above email address.
If you see anything that is not working, or links are wrong, or info is wrong, please contact me ASAP. This upgrade was HUGE deal and I want to get the site working as perfectly as possible but I need your help if you have a problem.
This site is best used on a computer - it is working on cel phones but it is impossible to keep up with all the different phones and operating systems to make sure it is glitch free, however we are trying to make it as phone friendly as we can - if you are having issues on your phone accessing any part of the site please contact us.
THANK YOU!!!
How AQHA Members can help
- Written by: Sharalee Worms
The database is only as good as the info is accurate.
In an effort to verify pedigrees we ask that, as an AQHA member, if you have purchased any sire or dam details for any AQHA horses and you wouldn't mind sharing them with us - please email to foals@manitobahorse.com with AQHA detail in the subject line.
We are urgently seeking people who would be willing to donate $5 and be able to look up a $5 report at AQHA.
This is an exciting way to help us really start to nail down the source horses for PSSM1.
We have a list of about 20 key horses we are searching for reports on and you can help with a very small donation of time (takne to get the report) and $5. Please contact me if you would be willing to help out in this way.
Messaging Sharalee Worms on facebook is the best form of contact and will get the fastest response.
Common Mistakes People Make After a PSSM Diagnosis
- Written by: Sharalee Worms
I'm New to PSSM
- Written by: Sharalee Worms
FAQ for Newcomers!
What are symptoms of PSSM?
Symptoms of PSSM are often basic horse behaviors - the difference with a PSSM horse is they do them predictably and consistenlly. Examples would be biting at the cinch/girth, getting antsy when tightening the cinch/girth, throwing the head up when tightening the cinch/girth. All of these behaviours can easily be the result of poor saddling technique, poor saddle fit, and learned habits from old BUT with a PSSM horse you can try on saddles til the cows come home and you will see little improvement.
Other Symptoms include intermittent lameness, difficulty holding up back feet for the farrier, a Jekyl and Hyde type of personality (perfect one day and nasty the next) bucking, trouble holding leads, crossfiring, acting colicky and many more. Again many of these are common horse behaviours, but a warning bell should go off if you can't train them out of it and there seems to be no real reason for the behavior.
How is it dignosed?
There are genetic tests available to confirm or deny your suspicions. You can pull hair and test for P1 and PSSM2 variants: P2, P3, P4, P8, and K1 - the P2-K1 tests are not peer reviewed and there are a lot of people who discount the results of those tests but there are an overwhelming number of people who have had the PSSM2 variant tests and have found the answers they needed to help their horse based on the test results. Some people prefer muscle biopsies but muscle biopsies cannot give a definitive answer other than saying what is seen in the muscle at the time of biopsy. Some have been diagnosed as having PSSM2 via a muscle biopsy and then a couple months later with a new biopsy been declared not to have PSSM2.
There are other genetic conditions (testable via hair sample) other than PSSM that can cause similar symptoms - these include MH, IMM, RER (tested as PX as an indicator) and even HYPP. All of the above (including PSSM) are what are known as dominant defects and only need one copy from one parent to exhibit symptoms. In most cases a double positive horse will have more severe symptoms.
Could my 8 year old horse have PSSM? He has never shown any signs before hand.
Yes, Most definitely. Especially the PSSM2 variants and RER which often only show symptoms after 6 years old.
How can I decide what to test for?
IF you are planning to breed, test for everything unless both parents are nn for any particular issue, that issue you do not need to test for.
IF you are wondering about symptoms your horse is having, start with the pedigree. More and more info is coming to light every day. If there is PSSM or something else in your horse's background then test for that issue. With pedigree analysis you can often rule out many things and target your testing so you are not wasting smoney on test you don't need. eg. Should you 5 panel test your horse? IF breeding yes. If just trying to diagnose - then HERDA and GBED are not an issue as the symptoms for HERDA are very obvious and double positive GBED foals don't live. One copy of HERDA or GBED does not affect the horse. MH and HYPP bloodlines are known so can be ruled out via pedigree analysis. So instead of spending over $80 you can spend $40 and just test for PSSM1.
What can I do once I know my results?
My best recommendation is the facebook group called PSSM FORUM. You will find very good advice from people who have horses with these variants and what has worked for treating them. Often vets are behind on this information. If your vet is knowledgable, by all means be thankful and follow his advice!